Main menu

Awards recognize First Fridays, others

Councilmember Rae Gabelich (8th District) recognized community members Tuesday that have significantly contributed to the District.
One of the longstanding complaints about the Bixby Knolls business district was that there was nothing to do at night, Gabelich recalled. On Tuesday, she credited the people behind “First Fridays” with changing that view. (See photo, L to R :Keith Lewis, Carina Cristiano Leoni, Vince Cristiano, Rae Gabelich, Inge Cristiano, Krista Leaders and Peter Dopulos.?
“What started small has blossomed into one of the best new things in Long Beach,” she said. The event, the first Friday of every month at Chroma Glass, has drawn participation by more than a dozen neighboring businesses.Also honored were Joe Valles and Paul Gutierez (inset), two longtime community activists. They’ve contributed changes to city policy and volunteered for public parades and events.
“I am grateful to have them as residents, as friends, as neighbors,” Gabelich said.